Coronavirus: information and advice hub

On this page we will share information and advice on alcohol during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak - including tips for managing your drinking, links to support you can access during lockdown and beyond, and guidance for professionals.

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing

In times of stress we can find ourselves drinking more often or more heavily - the first way to keep a healthy, happy relationship with alcohol is to look after your general mental health.

Staying on top of your drinking as lockdown lifts: our top tips

July 2020 | 10 minutes

We asked some people who moderate or don’t drink at all for some of their top tips for managing their drinking now that we can meet more people and pubs and bars will be reopening soon.

Coronavirus: top tips on alcohol and mental health

Maddy Lawson | March 2020 | 10 minutes

This is a stressful time for lots of us in the UK and around the world, and in times of stress we can find ourselves drinking more often or more heavily.

Alcohol and sleep

Lauren Booker | January 2022 | 10 minutes

When we're stressed, some of us turn to alcohol to help us drop off - but how does alcohol really affect your sleep?

Getting support

Coronavirus: getting support

You can still access support for your own or a loved one's drinking during the coronavirus outbreak, with many options available online or over the phone.

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Support if your loved one drinks too much

This might be a particularly difficult time if a friend or family member drinks too much, especially if you live with them - but support is available for you and them.

Support for children

If your parent or carer drinks too much it’s important for you to know that you don’t have to cope alone.

1 in 5

1 in 5 (21%) have been drinking more often during lockdown. Heavier drinkers are less likely to have cut down.

1 in 14

1 in 14 (7%) current or former drinkers have stopped drinking completely in lockdown.

1 in 3

More than 1 in 3 (37%) of us are taking active steps to manage our drinking.

Read the findings of our July research

Keeping track of your drinking

With normal routines out of whack and stress levels heightened, you might find yourself drinking more than usual without noticing. If you’re worried about your drinking getting out of hand, there are tools available to help you keep track.

Am I drinking too much?

Knowing 'how much is too much' can be confusing when it comes to alcohol so getting to grips with the official drinking guidelines can help us make healthier choices.

Check your drinking

Find out whether you're drinking at healthy levels with this quick quiz.

Alcohol withdrawal: what to look out for

If you are drinking at high levels, you may be finding it more difficult than usual to manage your drinking so it's important to be able to spot the signs of alcohol withdrawal to protect yourself.

For professionals

Coronavirus: information for professionals

Here we have pulled together a collection of links to important official information and advice to help keep you up-to-date on services and provisions during the coronavirus outbreak.

COVID-19: supporting the most vulnerable drinkers

Mike Ward | April 2020 | 10 minutes

Through the Blue Light programme Mike Ward works with some of the UK's most vulnerable people, those often called 'change-resistant' drinkers - and this group faces particular challenges as a result of coronavirus.

For workplaces

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Consultancy and training for workplaces

Alcohol Change UK is the leading provider of consultancy and training services on alcohol harm to both individuals and organisations.

Want to know what your employees think about alcohol? Ask!

Lauren Booker | July 2020 | 9 minutes

If your organisation thrives on corporate hospitality, a high-energy workforce or a work-hard-play-hard culture, the current situation with COVID-19 may shine a light on an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.